People with intellectual disability shining in the workplace

What are the benefits of hiring people with intellectual disability? The nine people in this video show that employing people with intellectual disability makes for better workplaces.

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Hiring people with disability has been shown to boost staff morale and enhance teamwork. Yet research shows that people with intellectual disability are under-represented in the NSW workforce.

As the stars of this video show, with the right support, people with intellectual disability can be productive employees who bring unique skills and experiences to a workplace.

The benefits are not only for businesses either. Through employment, people with intellectual disability often feel more fulfilled and valued, and the financial independence gained from working can allow them the freedom to follow their dreams and take part more in their community. It’s a win-win!

Read about the stars in our video

Carmel has been working at the Catholic Schools Office in Wagga Wagga for 21 years.

“I’m good at my job because I have a good memory and I’m flexible. I also use my initiative,” she says. These skills are perfect for her job as office assistant, which requires her to be complete a wide range of tasks.

“My job is important because it gives me independence,” Carmel says.

Ben is carrying on a family tradition of working in the book trade. With a friendly smile and professional approach, Ben prices stock and serves customers at the cash register at a bookshop in Sydney.

“I’m very independent and I’m very confident in the job that I do,” he says. “My colleagues thank me for the work that I do, which makes me really happy.”

Angus works at a plant shop in Broken Hill. After signing, he waters plants, cleans the grounds, and does odd jobs. “I like everything about my job. I like the whole lot.”

Shailaja is an educator at People With Disability Australia in Sydney, teaching women with intellectual disability about respectful relationships. “I’ve been really blessed to work with a very helpful and understanding team,” she says.

For Shailaja, work is more than just about being independent, it’s also about fulfilment and pursuing a passion. “Working is not just working,” she says. “It’s doing something that’s meaningful, and that’s something I’m passionate about.”

Jess has been working at the ABC office in Sydney for 11 years. Her work colleagues are like family to her. “I think employers should give people with disabilities a chance,” she says. “We’ve got abilities, we can do anything.”

Alex is a budding writer. He writes a blog, and you may have seen his name on some of the blogs on our website. He loves the sense of freedom and escape he feels when he writes.

“It’s only through paid work that I can move into my own place and be my own person more.”

Sam works in the perishables section of a supermarket in Wagga Wagga “I’m good at my job because I’m helpful and friendly with customers. And I know where stuff goes,” she jokes.

Sam’s saving up to take driving lessons. “Work’s important so I can earn money and have independence,” she says.

Alanna works here at CID in Sydney. She tackles lots of tasks here, such as presenting and training organisations on how to be more inclusive of people with disability. Alanna is a cherished member of the CID team. She’s teaching us a lot about how we can improve the way we work with people with intellectual disability.

“Working is important to me because it gives you something to wake up to every morning and have a goal. I think it’s like a self-esteem booster.”

Adam has his own business, called Adam’s Apple. He delivers vegetable boxes to people’s houses around Sydney. He has been doing deliveries now for 10 years. His strong work ethic and precision means that he can work independently, as long as he has someone to help with the driving. Working has given him independence and has allowed him to have his own house.